A removable bridge, more commonly known as a denture, is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues.
Dentures are a popular and effective dental prosthetic used to replace missing teeth and restore the functionality and aesthetics of a natural smile. Whether you have lost teeth due to age, injury, or oral health issues, dentures offer a reliable solution to enhance your quality of life. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to dentures, covering their types, benefits, care, and considerations.
Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.
Complete Dentures: Complete dentures are recommended when all teeth in the upper or lower arch are missing. They consist of a full set of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored acrylic base, custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably.
Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are utilized when some natural teeth remain in the upper or lower arch. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a metal framework or acrylic base, secured in place with clasps that anchor to the adjacent natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures offer enhanced stability and functionality. These dentures are attached to dental implants, which are surgically placed into the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures provide a more secure fit and prevent bone loss in the jaw, improving long-term oral health.
Adjustment Period: It may take time to adjust to wearing dentures, especially when speaking or eating. Initially, certain foods may be challenging, but with practice and perseverance, these difficulties can be overcome.
Denture Adhesives: Denture adhesives can enhance the stability of your dentures and improve their fit. Consult with your dentist to determine if an adhesive is necessary for your specific case.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental visits to ensure your dentures are fitting properly and your oral health is maintained. Dentists can make adjustments, repair any damages, and evaluate your overall oral condition.
Dentures provide an effective and practical solution for restoring a beautiful smile and regaining oral functionality. With various types of dentures available and advancements in dental technology, there is an option to suit individual needs and preferences. By following proper care guidelines and seeking regular dental check-ups, dentures can provide long-lasting benefits, improving both your oral health and overall quality of life. If you have missing teeth, consider exploring the possibilities of dentures with your dentist to experience the transformative effects of a complete smile restoration.
Restored Functionality: Dentures allow you to chew food, speak clearly, and maintain proper oral health. They restore your ability to enjoy a wide variety of foods and improve digestion.
Aesthetics and Confidence: Dentures recreate a natural-looking smile, enhancing your facial appearance and boosting self-confidence. They can positively impact your social interactions and overall well-being.
Support for Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause facial sagging and a sunken appearance. Dentures help maintain the structure of your face, providing support to the cheeks and lips for a more youthful appearance.
Daily Cleaning: Regularly remove and clean your dentures with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and damage the denture surface.
Oral Hygiene: Even with dentures, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
Soaking Dentures: When not wearing your dentures, keep them moist by soaking them in water or a denture cleaning solution. This prevents them from drying out and losing their shape.
Dr. Efraim Florendo earned his Dental degree in 2000. His enthusiasm to expand his dental knowledge brought him to the field of Dental Research and he worked in San Francisco as a Dental Researcher for two years.
This vivified his passion for Dentistry and willed him to practice the Art and Science of Dentistry in various cities such as San Bruno, San Francisco, Sacramento, Vallejo, San Jose until he finally found his heart and decided to settle in the lovely and warm city of Modesto.
Dr. Alexandra Chang, DDS, MS is a native of the San Francisco Bay area. She went to U.C. Davis for her undergraduate studies and attend U.C San Francisco for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After completing her studies in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at The Ohio State University, she returned to California.
She has been practicing orthodontics for over 10 years and loves working with young children and adults. On her free time, she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also likes to spend with her family and two japanese bobtail cats.
make an appointment
*Our manager will call you back within 15 minutes
FAQ
Newsletter
+(208) 555-0112
make an appointment
*Our manager will call you back within 15 minutes
